BU lauds Kambar, Pejawar seer

BANGALORE: Jnanpith award winner  Prof Chandrashekhar Kambar expressed his regret to Pejavar Mutt seer Vishveshwa Thirtha  over  his objection to the establishment of a Sanskrit University in the State, which reportedly hurt the seer, on Saturday during ‘Samskruti Chintana’, Bangalore University’s monthly cultural event.  “I regret hurting him  by objecting to the setting up of a Sanskrit University. I did not intend to do so,” said Kambar, as he continued to justify his objection to the setting up of a Sanskrit University during his time as a Member of Legislative Council . “I was opposed to the idea as I believed that an exclusive Sanskrit University would neglect other ancient languages like Pali. I was only trying to push the idea for a holistic university that would include all sections of the society,” said Kambar, stating that he feared promotion of casteism through a Sanskrit University. Prof  Kambar and  Vishvesha Thirtha  were felicitated by Bangalore University. “We all remember Kambar’s Kaadu Kudure that won a national award. He is the most prominent Kannada writer, only after the mystical Da Ra Bendre,” said Vice-Chancellor Dr N Prabhu Dev.  “BU honours Vishvesha Thirtha for his firm stand against corruption and for being vociferous against Naxal violence. He has always urged naxals to give up armed violence, even as he supports their cause,” the VC said.“Literature breeds humanity and awakens human conscience. Folk literature has more impact than other forms of literature, which is why Kambar’s folk-style writing has given him the Jnanapith,” said  Vishvesha Thirtha said.